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Time Slicing Google Insights Queries

This article explores the use of Google Insights to track the growth of websites like YouTube over time. By examining "time slices" of data, it provides insights into how different products gain traction in different regions of the US.

• The article leverages Google Insights data from as far back as 2004, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of product adoption.
• The author analyzes the search term "youtube" across different states and months, revealing geographical and temporal growth patterns.

Exploring YouTube's Growth Trajectory

The analysis focuses on the growth of YouTube, starting with its initial launch in late 2005. The article highlights the following key findings:

• YouTube's initial popularity concentrated in California and New York, two digitally advanced and populous states.
• As YouTube gained traction, its popularity spread to other populous states like Florida and Texas.
• The analysis reveals that YouTube's growth was rapid and widespread, achieving significant adoption across the US within a short period.
• The data indicates that YouTube's adoption followed a pattern of expanding from major cities to smaller regions.

The Webkinz Phenomenon: A Different Growth Story

The article contrasts YouTube's rapid growth with the slower and more regionally focused growth of Webkinz, a kid-centric MMOG tied to a plush doll product.

• Webkinz, unlike YouTube, initially gained popularity in Massachusetts, suggesting a connection to its product distribution and marketing efforts.
• Webkinz's growth was slower and more localized, with a significant emphasis on the East Coast rather than California.
• The article highlights the unique challenges and opportunities associated with reaching a younger audience, particularly in a digital context.

Key Observations and Insights

The article draws several key conclusions from the analysis of YouTube and Webkinz:

• Different products exhibit unique growth patterns, with some experiencing rapid, widespread adoption (like YouTube) while others have more localized and slower growth (like Webkinz).
• Horizontal products like YouTube tend to spread rapidly across the US, starting in major cities and expanding outwards.
• Products like Webkinz, with a physical component and a target audience of children, may follow a different trajectory due to factors like distribution channels and word-of-mouth marketing.
• The data highlights the variability in product adoption, with some experiencing significant growth in short periods and others seeing more gradual change.
• The article suggests that products outside of the Silicon Valley ecosystem, like MySpace and Webkinz, can achieve success in specific regions or with particular demographics.

Understanding Growth Patterns: Implications for Businesses

The analysis provides valuable insights for businesses seeking to understand the growth trajectories of their products. By tracking key metrics like search volume and geographical distribution, companies can:

• Gain a better understanding of their target audience and their online behavior.
• Identify regional variations in product adoption and tailor marketing strategies accordingly.
• Monitor the progress of their products and identify areas for improvement or expansion.

Conclusion: The Power of Google Insights for Understanding Product Growth

The article concludes by emphasizing the potential of Google Insights for gaining valuable insights into product adoption. By analyzing time-sliced search data, businesses can gain a deeper understanding of their audience, their product's growth patterns, and their market position.